Section 1: Properties of Minerals

Front

What is luster in terms of mineral properties?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light.

Front

What is a crystal system?

Back

A grouping of crystal structures based on the number and angle of crystal faces.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mineral?

Back

It must be organic.

Front

What is a unique property that some minerals may have?

Back

Magnetism.

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure.

Front

What does it mean for a mineral to have a definite chemical composition?

Back

It means that a mineral has a specific chemical formula that defines its composition.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure, while a rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals.

Front

What is cleavage in mineralogy?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's density?

Back

Density helps to identify minerals and can indicate their composition.